New Jersey residents interested in installing solar-energy panels on their rooftops--and those in-state companies that manufacture the panels--would both benefit from a new rebate plan under consideration by the state Board of Public Utilities.
Scott Fallon reports in today's Bergen Record that:
"The New Jersey Renewable Energy Manufacturing Incentive would give homeowners an additional 25 cents per watt on top of the current $1.75-per-watt rebate. That means a house with a modest 2-kilowatt system could see a $4,000 rebate check to offset the often costly installation."
Providing impetus to the BPU program is S-2739, legislation sponsored by Bob Smith, chairman of the state Senate's Environment Committee. The Assembly version of the bill is A-3980 .
A number of other state legislators also have been doing their part to encourage solar energy's growth.
Solar-energy legislation currently under consideration :
A-2994 Authorizes municipalities to require solar energy elements as condition of site plan or subdivision approval.
A-3062/S-1303 Defines "inherently beneficial use" for purposes of zoning variance and specifically includes facilities and structures that supply electrical energy produced from wind, solar, or photovoltaic technologies.
A-3208/S-2429 Requires the incorporation of solar panels in design and construction of new public school facilities.
A-3238/S-1065 Permits electric public utilities, electric power suppliers and basic generation service providers to enter into certain agreements with building owners for use of solar energy systems for such buildings.
A-3347 /S-2218 Authorizes DOT, NJ Turnpike Authority, and South Jersey Transportation Authority to permit BPU-certified persons to install and maintain solar photovoltaic panels on noise barriers erected on roads and highways
A-3616/S-2499 Encourages purchase of NJ solar panels and wind turbines for State projects and State-funded projects
A-3701/S-1953 Requires all new State buildings to have solar or geothermal energy systems, where feasible.
Solar-energy bills signed into law earlier this year:
A-1558 which requires developers to offer solar energy systems in certain new home construction, and
A-2550 which permits location of certain wind and solar facilities in industrial zones.
Related posts:
Long Island's solar grants frying up; PA's coming
Other recent posts:
Week's top environmental news in New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, New York and beyond: May 11-15
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Home solar panels are generally designed for high voltage grid-connected systems, although they can be used for battery-based systems too.
ReplyDeleteSolar Hot Water
This rebate seems like a pretty good idea for an area that has it's fair share of sunlight hours. The price of technology is always creeping down and this rebate might help sway those who are on the borderline of installing home solar panels. I'm sure solar energy will be the commonplace type of energy that powers individual homes for most homes in the future.
ReplyDeletewww.solarpanelsnj.com nice resource as well.
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